When we first began cruising many years ago, one of the most confusing aspects was understanding how gratuities worked. Every cruise line has its own policy, and over time, those policies evolve. On Royal Caribbean cruises in 2025, gratuities remain an essential part of the onboard experience, both a gesture of appreciation and a vital source of income for the hardworking crew.

Royal Caribbean automatically adds daily gratuities to each passenger’s account. As of 2025, the rate for this cruise is $18.50 per person, per day for guests in standard cabins and $21.00 per person, per day for those in suites. This covers the crew who make our voyage comfortable, the dining staff, stateroom attendants, and behind-the-scenes team members who keep everything running smoothly. The charge is conveniently added to your onboard account, eliminating the need to carry cash or track tips throughout the cruise.

Our total gratuity bill for this 47-night cruise is an additional US $1739 ($18.50 per day x 2 x 47), which is added to our online account and charged to our credit card at the end of the cruise.

While some travelers prefer the old-fashioned way by handing out envelopes of cash at the end of the cruise, the automatic system ensures that every crew member receives their fair share. It’s easy to forget how many invisible hands make a cruise ship feel like a floating home. There are the stewards who quietly tidy our cabins twice a day, the dining room servers who remember our favorite drink, and the countless others who never meet us face-to-face but still play a role in keeping everything spotless and seamless.

Guests can prepay gratuities when booking their cruise, which can simplify budgeting and prevent surprises at the end of the trip. We’ve found this especially helpful when traveling for many weeks at a time. It’s one less line item on the final bill. Prepaying also locks in the current rate, which can be useful if there’s a price increase before your sailing date.

That said, gratuities are not carved in stone. If you receive particularly outstanding service, you can always add an additional tip directly to your onboard account or hand cash to the crew member personally. Conversely, if you experience a service issue, you can request adjustments through Guest Services, though most guests rarely need to. We’ve always found Royal Caribbean’s crew to be warm, attentive, and genuinely eager to please.

In specialty restaurants, bars, and lounges, an automatic 18% gratuity is added to all beverage and dining purchases. When we first started cruising, we used to double-check every receipt, but now we sign and smile, knowing the gratuity is already included. Of course, if someone goes above and beyond—a bartender who remembers your name after one visit, or a waiter who anticipates your dietary needs—a few extra dollars or a heartfelt thank-you goes a long way.

Some cruisers wonder where all these gratuities go. Royal Caribbean’s policy states that the funds are shared among the service team, including dining attendants, stateroom staff, and other key crew members who directly impact guest satisfaction. It’s a collective effort, and the crew’s livelihood depends on these contributions.

We’ve always viewed gratuities not as an obligation but as a form of gratitude. When you consider the long hours, the weeks away from family, and the consistently cheerful service that defines life aboard a Royal Caribbean ship, it feels good to know our small daily contribution makes a meaningful difference.

Over the years, we’ve met many crew members who’ve become familiar faces; some we’ve seen on different ships and itineraries. They remember us, ask about our travels, and share stories about their own journeys. It’s those connections that remind us tipping isn’t just about money, it’s about appreciation and acknowledgment of the human touch that makes every voyage memorable.

So, as we sail through 2025, it’s comforting to know the gratuity system continues to support the very people who make cruising so special. Whether it’s the smile of a room steward greeting you in the hallway or the waiter who ensures your meal is just right each evening, those daily tips are a way of saying, “Thank you for making this feel like home at sea.”

On the flip side, if you feel the overall services have been inferior, you can have the automatic gratuities removed from your final bill. But keep in mind that this will impact service staff you do not interact with, such as kitchen and laundry staff.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 4,  2015: